Latest news with #Veteran-led
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
2nd Annual Military Thriving Change Forum at Georgetown University: Calling the Next Generation to Serve
On June 11-12, 2025, Georgetown University will host its second annual Military Thriving Change Forum. Nearly 150 senior leaders from across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors will convene in our nation's capital to create actionable community-based solutions that empower Veterans to lead, thrive, and inspire the next generation to serve. Dr. Joel Kupersmith, a Navy Veteran and Emeritus Professor at Georgetown University said, 'Our goal is clear. By channeling local leadership through a nationally-driven strategy, we will empower Veterans, military spouses and their families to improve the narrative and attitudes toward our military and our civic life — one community at a time.' In the wake of service opportunities at AmeriCorps being drastically cut and military service becoming an increasingly unlikely path for young people, the Georgetown Change Forum comes at a critical time. Although the military continues promotional campaigns to combat negative viewpoints and some branches of the armed forces have lowered accession standards, DOD is still struggling to meet its recruiting goals. A scarcity of mentorship and positive role models for youth in cities and towns across the country may be exacerbating these shortages. A recent national study found the share of young people aged 18 to 21 who report having had a childhood mentor dropped six percent over the past decade Roughly one-third of teens nationwide, most from the lowest socioeconomic quartile, report never having experienced a mentoring relationship. When asked, many unmentored youth said 'they didn't know how to find a mentor or didn't think mentors were available to them .' It is in the continued service of 18 million Veterans representing 6% of the population, where a unique opportunity to address both of these systemic issues exists. With their wealth of experience and leadership skills, they can play a pivotal role in inspiring the next generation to serve in the military, and in other service professions that are equally vital to national and regional security. Part of the solution lies with a select group of military and Veteran-led nonprofits that have stepped up to fill these gaps since the Global War on Terrorism started. Veterans, through their involvement in these organizations, are serving as mentors and role models, guiding tens of thousands of youth toward careers in the military and service-oriented fields. One such nonprofit, Soldiers to Sidelines, enables 2,000 certified Veteran coaches to touch the lives of 100,000 young people each year. Led by former professional football coach Harrison Bernstein, Soldiers to Sidelines will be on full display at the Georgetown Change Forum. More than 100 youth from three DC high schools will come to Cooper Field learning from a dozen Veteran coaches, alongside the coaching staffs from Georgetown and the Washington Commanders. With the help of a service disabled Veteran owned business called ZeroMils, the Change Forum will set the stage for thousands more Veterans to engage with young people at similar Uniting in Service events across the country including Minneapolis in August and Charlotte in November. Founded by two Marine Colonels, ZeroMils started its Military Thriving mission in response to growing trends that espoused 'military friendliness' and emphasized the challenges and struggles of Veterans post military service. The company's vision is to create a Military Thriving movement that changes the 'broken Veteran Narrative.' At the Change Forum, ZeroMils will also be launching a Military Thriving Action Coalition with longstanding partners, National University, Wells Fargo, CVS Health, Neighborly, and more than two dozen senior leaders from the private sector with a long history and proven track record of supporting military and Veteran causes. 'We must establish a coalition of the committed to change misperceptions about service.' said the CEO of ZeroMils, retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Schmiegel. 'Together, the private and public sectors can spotlight the strengths and successes of our military and veteran-connected families rather than the struggles. Young people need to hear and see that we, as Veterans, are thriving because of our service, and not in spite of it.' For more information and to participate at the Change Forum email thrive@
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
/C O R R E C T I O N -- PureTalk/
In the news release, Mike Rowe Teams Up with PureTalk to Champion Wireless that Stands for Something, issued 13-May-2025 by PureTalk over PR Newswire, we are advised by the company of an update to the 5th paragraph. The complete, corrected release follows: A partnership built on real American values: supporting families, honoring Veterans and empowering workers COVINGTON, Ga., May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PureTalk, a Veteran-led wireless provider known for offering customers premium, reliable service at a fraction of the price of major carriers, proudly announces its newest partnership with TV personality, best-selling author, philanthropist and advocate for hard work and common sense — Mike Rowe. Rowe has spent his career advocating for everyday Americans who keep the country running. From "Dirty Jobs" to "Deadliest Catch", he has earned the trust of viewers as a voice of reason, curiosity, and respect for the tradespeople and everyday heroes behind the scenes. Now, Rowe is continuing his mission by supporting a wireless provider that shares his no-nonsense approach, ultimately helping families stay connected without breaking the bank. "Obviously, it's important to have a wireless company that provides reliable service at a great price. But most Americans - especially if you give them a choice - want to be in business with a company who actually stands for something," said Mike Rowe. "What Pure Talk is doing for our nations veterans is pretty incredible. And their support of my own efforts at The Mike Rowe Works Foundation is something I appreciate a great deal." This new partnership builds on PureTalk's continued support of Rowe's popular podcast, The Way I Heard It, and a $50,000 donation the company made last year to Rowe's mikeroweWORKS Foundation. The organization provides scholarships and training for individuals pursuing careers in the skilled trades, including Veterans, helping them transition into sustainable, purpose-driven work. Together, PureTalk and Rowe are strengthening their commitment to keeping Americans connected while delivering the reliable service they deserve. "At PureTalk, we believe in offering premium wireless at a fair price on the most dependable 5G network, without the usual gimmicks or hidden fees. We believe in putting family above fortune, standing for the flag, supporting American jobs, and supporting Veterans and our Troops. Partnering with Mike Rowe is a natural fit for who we are at PureTalk," William Curry, Chief Strategy Officer at PureTalk parent company Telrite Holdings. "His voice resonates with those who appreciate integrity, simplicity, and reliability. We're honored to have him join the PureTalk team." To join Mike Rowe and make the switch to PureTalk, please visit About PureTalkVeteran-led and founded in 2004, PureTalk is a nationwide cell phone service provider offering unlimited plans starting at $20/month. With customer service in the U.S., support of our military, and a 100% money-back guarantee, PureTalk is focused on delivering the best customer experience and unlimited plans at a fair price, all on the nation's most dependable 5G network. At PureTalk, patriotism drives our purpose. We are committed to supporting our Veterans and their families. We contribute to organizations that honor and assist those who bravely serve our country. By choosing PureTalk, you're not only getting great wireless service but you're also making a meaningful impact on the lives of our servicemen and women. Visit for additional information. About Mike RoweMike Rowe is an Emmy award-winning TV host, producer, narrator, podcaster, spokesman, bestselling author, recording artist, and America's leading advocate for the skilled trades. As the CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, he's awarded nearly seven million dollars in work-ethic scholarships and led a national effort to reintroduce shop class into high schools. Best known as the creator and host of Discovery Channel's Dirty Jobs, which has aired every week for the last 20 years, Mike has also hosted, produced and narrated dozens of other TV series and documentaries including Planet Earth and Deadliest Catch. Mike's podcast The Way I Heard, has been downloaded nearly 300 million times featuring short stories, extended interviews with dirty jobbers, bloody-do-gooders and other folks Mike believes you should know. Mike lives today in Northern California, which he hopes you won't hold against him. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE PureTalk Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
